US Department of State Makes Visitor Visa Bonds Permanent for 50 Countries, Including Senegal

• The US Department of State has made the visitor visa bond program permanent for 50 countries, including Senegal.
• Citizens from affected countries will be required to provide a financial guarantee for B-1 and B-2 visas.
• Three levels of bond amounts are introduced: $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000.
• The standard amount is set at $15,000, but can be reduced or increased based on individual circumstances.

Lawyers advising clients on US travel should be aware of the increased risk of confiscation of the full bond amount if the visitor overstays their visa.

The US Department of State has made the program for mandatory visitor visa bonds permanent, effective August 3, 2026. This move affects citizens from 50 countries, including Senegal, who will now be required to provide a financial guarantee for B-1 and B-2 visas. The regulation introduces three levels of bond amounts: $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000. The standard amount is set at $15,000, but can be reduced to $10,000 if the applicant has sufficient resources for their trip but cannot afford the intermediate sum. Conversely, a $20,000 bond will be required when the consular officer deems the risk of visa overstaying higher.

The decision to make the program permanent comes after a successful pilot phase that saw a significant reduction in unauthorized stays. According to Department of State data, 45,488 citizens from affected countries exceeded their authorized stay period in 2024. During the first ten months of the pilot program, this number dropped to less than 50. The permanent implementation aims to maintain this drastic reduction in illegal stays. It's worth noting that the bond must be paid in full in US dollars through a dedicated platform provided by the US Treasury after the consular interview.

Lawyers advising clients on US travel should be aware of the increased risk of confiscation of the full bond amount if the visitor overstays their visa. As such, it's essential for clients to carefully review the terms of the new regulation and understand the implications of providing a financial guarantee. The Sénégal, already subject to entry restrictions in the US since December 2025, is among the countries affected by this change. While the list of participating countries may evolve, citizens from countries with visa exemptions (such as France) are not impacted.

Lawyers advising clients on US travel should note the increased risk of confiscation of the full caution amount if the visitor overstays their visa, and advise clients to carefully review the terms of the new regulation.

Source: Original reporting via Visasnews